Page 252 of 384

Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Class III Trailer Hitch Safety Chain
Loops can be used as recovery
hooks.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe
if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Never connect any trailer lighting to the vehicle’s taillamp
circuits, because it may damage the electrical system resulting in
fire. Contact your authorized dealer for assistance in proper trailer tow
wiring installation. Additional electrical equipment may be required.
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
252
Page 291 of 384
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position or if the key is not in
the ignition.
Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
FUEL
RESET
The fuel pump shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the electric
fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated.
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
291
Page 384 of 384

Starting your
vehicle ........................256–257, 259
jump starting ..........................311
Steering wheel
controls ....................................108
tilting .........................................98
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................98
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Driving .....................................284
Roadside Emergencies ...........301
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....237
Warning Displays ......12, 123, 137
Tires ...........................222–224, 301
alignment ................................231
care ..........................................227
changing ..........................301, 306
checking the pressure ............227
inflating ...................................225
label .........................................236
replacing ..........................228, 306
rotating ....................................231
safety practices .......................230
sidewall information ...............232
snow tires and chains ............242
spare tire .................301, 304–305
terminology .............................224
tire grades ...............................223
treadwear ........................223, 227
Towing .......................................249
recreational towing .................254
trailer towing ..........................249
wrecker ....................................316
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................366Transmission .............................269
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....269
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................366
fluid, refill capacities ..............370
lubricant specifications ..........370
Turn signal ..................................91
U
USB port ......................................44
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................375
Vehicle loading ..........................242
Ventilating your vehicle ...........259
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................338
Water, Driving through .............288
Windows ....................................153
power .......................................102
rear wiper/washer .....................98
Windshield
defrosting ..................................85
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................97
checking and adding fluid .....338
liftgate reservoir .....................338
replacing wiper blades ...........339
Wrecker towing .........................316
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
384